Celtic linked with an Italian international Salvatore Esposito

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The Celtic Star

·13 Juli 2025

Celtic linked with an Italian international Salvatore Esposito

Celtic being linked with an Italian international is often enough to make most Celtic fans sit up and take notice, especially when it’s a 24-year-old midfield technician with Serie A experience and a cap against England on his CV.

Salvatore Esposito of Spezia Calcio during the Coppa Italia match between US Sassuolo and Spezia Calcio at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on November 02, 2023 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

According to The Boot Room , Celtic are reportedly among a host of clubs interested in signing Spezia’s Salvatore Esposito, a player who, on paper at least, ticks a lot of intriguing boxes. Alongside Celtic, the usual raft of English suitors are name-dropped – Brighton, Burnley, Brentford, Fulham, Everton and Sunderland.

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On the Scottish front? No surprise—theRangers are also mentioned, which should immediately nudge your scepticism sensors into gear.

Esposito is a versatile midfielder, primarily operating in the defensive role but capable of stepping forward into a more progressive eight or even an attacking 10. He has pedigree, having played in Serie A and earned a cap for Italy.

But here’s where we need to apply a bit of realism. The source of the story has also been known to sensationalise the odd link, on occasion, and when a single report casually lumps Celtic and theRangers into the same rumour—as if Scotland’s two biggest clubs operate in some joint transfer think tank—you’re entitled to raise an eyebrow. These kinds of stories can often be little more than hopeful stabs in the dark.

Salvatore Esposito of Spezia calcio during the match between Spezia Calcio and Hellas Verona at Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore on June 11, 2023 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

And then there’s the competition. Brighton and Brentford alone are likely ahead of Celtic financially and operate with well-established recruitment structures focused on data-driven scouting and clear pathways to first-team football in the Premier League. If Esposito is genuinely up for grabs, it’s not hard to imagine his eyes would light up more at Craven Cottage than Celtic Park, such is the way of the footballing world these days.

That’s not to say Celtic shouldn’t be targeting players like Esposito. In fact, it’s exactly the sort of move the club should be exploring—young, with European experience and resale value. But whether this particular report holds water is another question entirely.

So, yes, a link to a full Italy international is enough to whet the appetite. It conjures images of cultured passes, tactical nous, and a little continental flair in the heart of Celtic’s midfield. But for now, take it with a pinch of salt. Or maybe a whole shaker.

Niall J

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